Happy Setsubun!

Today in Japan (February 3rd) is the holiday of setsubun (節分), which is a holiday kind of marking the coming of Spring, vaguely like Groundhog’s Day in the US, I think. The idea is that one drives out the demons (called oni in Japanese) and brings in good luck. So, parents or someone will dress up in an Oni mask and let kids throw beans at them. This is called mamemaki (豆撒き). According to Wikipedia, they can also chant oni wa soto! fuku wa uchi! (鬼は外! 福は内!), which means like “Oni outside! Luck inside [the house]!”.

I know this form experience because last Setsubun, we got a little “mamemaki” kit from Baby’s grandparents in Japan, which came with some beans and a little Oni mask (way too small for me to wear). We never actually did use it because Baby was just way too young to throw anything, but I know she’s having a lot of fun this year in Japan. I’m waiting to talk with my wife tomorrow to hear all the details.

Setsubun is not a major holiday at all, but it’s a fun time for kids.

Happy Setsubun, sweety!

Namu Amida Butsu

P.S. Excellent article about Setsubun from another blogger. Nice photos too.